Introduction to Wrestling Society X
The 2000s were a transformative period for professional wrestling in the United States, marked by the demise of WCW and ECW, which left a void that various promotions attempted to fill. TNA Wrestling had established itself as the firm number two, primarily due to its television deal with Spike TV. Ring of Honor was gaining recognition as the best pure wrestling company in the country, and other promotions like CZW, IWA-Mid South, and PWG were carving out their own spaces in the industry. Amidst this landscape, Wrestling Society X (WSX) emerged, born out of the ashes of XPW in California.
WSX’s Influence and Demise
WSX didn’t last long, airing only nine episodes on MTV in 2007, but its influence on the industry has been more profound than its short run might suggest. The promotion is often cited as a precursor to brands like Lucha Underground, which popularized “cinematic wrestling” that became a vital part of how wrestling was presented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This style of wrestling has had a lasting impact, with matches like The Undertaker’s retirement match, the Broken Hardys, and the Firefly Funhouse potentially never existing without the groundwork laid by WSX.
MTV’s Restrictions and WSX’s Style
MTV’s producers were keen on ensuring that nothing on the show could be replicated by kids at home, which is a challenging task in the context of professional wrestling. This led to matches with minimal or no psychology, a focus on high spots, and an emphasis on explosive elements, even if they weren’t flammable. At its core, WSX aimed to revive the connection between wrestling and music that was so pivotal in the 1980s, updating it for a modern audience with appearances by musicians like Pusha T, Good Charlotte, and Pitbull at The Bunker in Los Angeles, California.
Where Are They Now? Matt Sydal
Matt Sydal, accompanied by his “girlfriend” Lizzy Valentine, was the first wrestler to step into a WSX ring. With a background in Ring of Honor as a member of Generation Next, Sydal had already traveled the world by the time he joined WSX. His WSX run was pivotal, leading to a stint in WWE as Evan Bourne, where he became one of the most popular high-flyers during the company’s “PG Era.” After leaving WWE in 2013, Sydal continued to travel the world, returning to ROH and eventually joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as both an in-ring talent and a backstage helper.
Where Are They Now? Jack Evans
Jack Evans, the other half of the first-ever WSX match, was also a member of Generation Next in Ring of Honor. Known for his incredible high-flying abilities, Evans was positioned as one of the top stars in WSX. He has spent the majority of his career in Mexico, working for AAA, with stints in Pro Wrestling NOAH, Lucha Underground, and PWG. Evans was a day-one member of the AEW roster but left at the end of his contract in 2022, now working sporadically in Mexico for various independent promotions.
Where Are They Now? 6-Pac
Sean “X-Pac” Waltman, wrestling in WSX as 6-Pac, was a heavily featured star, competing in the match to determine the first-ever WSX Champion. Waltman’s career was already well-established by the time he joined WSX, and he continued wrestling for many years afterward. Now a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, Waltman has made sporadic appearances since retiring from the ring in 2022, mainly featuring on the convention circuit.
Where Are They Now? Justin Credible
Justin Credible, a former ECW World Heavyweight Champion, had a brief stint in WSX, participating in the first-ever WSX Rumble. Despite his short time with the promotion, Credible has stayed active on the independent scene. However, he has faced personal struggles, including stints in rehab and jail. Credible seems to be on the path to recovery, competing regularly on weekends and starting a new job at a Chili’s restaurant in December 2025.
Where Are They Now? Teddy Hart
Teddy Hart, the oldest grandson of Stu Hart, was positioned as one of the top stars in WSX, known for his controversial career. Hart’s time in WSX was marked by his alliance with “M-Dogg 20” Matt Cross as The Filth and The Fury. Despite his potential, Hart’s career has been marred by legal issues and a inability to capitalize on his talent. He currently competes in Real Canadian Wrestling based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Where Are They Now? Vampiro
Vampiro, the inaugural WSX Champion, was also the booker for the promotion. His career in WSX was marked by a notable angle that got the show canceled by MTV. Vampiro has continued to work in AAA, holding various positions, including booker. He has also appeared in Lucha Underground and has worked around the world. Vampiro announced his retirement tour in 2024 but continues to work in Mexican independent shows.
Where Are They Now? Ricky Banderas
Ricky Banderas, known for setting Vampiro’s hair on fire, was a major part of WSX’s history, becoming the second and final WSX Champion. Banderas has worked under various names, including Judas Mesias in TNA and Gilbert El Boricua in CMLL. He is best known for his work in AAA, where he still competes today as El Mesias, and has also worked in Lucha Underground as Mil Muertes.
Where Are They Now? Scorpio Sky
Scorpio Sky, who competed in WSX with a character that was the best athlete in his high school, finished his time with the promotion with only one win. However, his career after WSX has been more rewarding, forming SoCal Uncensored with Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian in Ring of Honor. The group became core members of the inaugural AEW roster in 2019, with Sky becoming a breakout star, winning the AEW Tag Team Championship and the AEW TNT Championship.
Where Are They Now? Human Tornado
Human Tornado, a wrestler from Hollywood, Alabama, known for his blaxploitation street pimp gimmick, competed in WSX with a unique character. Although he is partially retired, Tornado has made appearances in XPW, Micro Mania Midget Wrestling, and GCW. He also had a notable role in the 2006 movie “Nacho Libre” starring Jack Black.
Where Are They Now? Matt Classic
Matt Classic, played by Colt Cabana, was a wrestler who woke up from a 40-year coma and returned to wrestling in WSX. Although his character didn’t pick up a single win, Colt Cabana, the man behind the character, is a well-known journeyman in the wrestling world. He has competed for nearly every promotion and currently works in AEW as a producer and coach, occasionally appearing in dark matches.
Where Are They Now? Team Dragon Gate
Team Dragon Gate, consisting of Masato Yoshino and Genki Horiguchi, were two of the greatest junior heavyweights of the 21st century and the only true international exports in WSX. Their WSX run was marked by a win in the main event of the final episode, which never aired. Both men have gone on to have incredibly successful careers in Dragon Gate, with Yoshino retiring in 2021 as one of the most decorated wrestlers in the company’s history, and Horiguchi still active, having held multiple championships.
Where Are They Now? Jimmy Jacobs
Jimmy Jacobs, part of the tag team D.I.F.H. (Do It For Her), played off his established character from Ring of Honor. After WSX, Jacobs became a mainstay in ROH before taking a writing job in WWE. He has worked in various backstage roles for companies like TNA and AEW and remains active in the ring for ROH and Revolution Championship Wrestling in Indiana.
Where Are They Now? Tyler Black
Tyler Black, the other half of D.I.F.H., was the biggest success story to come out of WSX. After his stint in WSX, Black’s stock soared, leading to a successful career in PWG and ROH, where he won multiple championships. He eventually signed with WWE, transforming into Seth Rollins, a multiple-time WWE World Champion and one of the most decorated performers of his era.
Find out more about the stars of Wrestling Society X and their current endeavors Here
